vergessen
Translation
to forget
Examples
Ich vergesse oft meinen Schlüssel.
I often forget my key.
Vergiss nicht, die Tür abzuschließen.
Don't forget to lock the door.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.acc)) to forget sth. I forgot my appointment.
((to-inf)) to forget to do sth. Don't forget to buy milk.
Similar Words
Synonym: entfallen (to slip one's mind); Antonyms: sich erinnern (to remember), denken an (to think of)
Etymology
Comes from `ver-` (a prefix often implying a mistake or loss) + an old root `gessen` (related to 'to get'). The idea is that the memory 'gets away' from you.
Memory Tips
Think of the `ver-` prefix as indicating an error or a negative outcome, which is exactly what forgetting is.